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CO 12's Are Region IV CHAMPS!

Last Updated on Wednesday, 22 January 2014 15:01

Colorado Rush GU12's began pool play on June 17th at Waipio Field in Honolulu, Hawaii, with a hard fought 1-1 draw against Utah Sparta Premier in game one. After acclimating to the time change, the girls began to gain momentum in the preliminary's with a shutout 3-0 win against the Washington State Northwest Nationals in game two, and they registered another shutout 2-0 win against the Arizona Arsenal in game three.

On the fourth day the girls rested with a free day spent enjoying Hawaii's Waimea Falls Park and even a little shopping with Coach Mike P!

The quarterfinal match was a difficult, yet successful road. Rush rallied to a close 2-1 win over the tenacious Nevada Heat FC to proceed to the semifinals against the Surf Hawaii. Surf Hawaii proved to be a formidable opponent. The Surf were an extremely physical and athletic team who had a large local and vocal following! Surf Hawaii scored first but a well placed volley in the 58th leveled the game. The Rush emerged with the win in overtime with a 2-1 finish!

“I have never seen a team with more unity than the U12 Rush girls," commented Mike Piserchio after the win. "It was incredible how they stayed positive throughout every game and continued to work, even when things were not going well. In the semi-final when we were 5 minutes from elimination, the girls pulled together and tied the game through a combination of skill, clever running and sheer heart.”

Opening Ceremonies

First Day in Hawaii

Then, it was off to the finals against the undefeated San Diego Surf!

In the final match of the Far West Regionals a large crowd had gathered to watch the well suited match up between the Colorado Rush and the San Diego Surf. The Rush had a large fan section present that included their parents, their U12 Rush Hawaii sister team, and the U15 Boys Colorado Rush! "We are the Rush" cheers and rally runs with horns on the sidelines could be heard from afar! Rush took the early lead in the 16th but Surf tied it up in the 39th and pushed the Colorado Rush once again into overtime. In overtime the Rush girls came out on top with shot in the 64th and an insurance goal in the 71st to finish up strong with a 3-1 victory!

Coach Mike Piserchio commented, “So much of the credit for this Regional Championship must go to the coaches the past two years. Head Coach, Erik Bushey and Assistant Coach, Jordan Angeli as they had this team unbelievably prepared for this competition. I am fortunate that I was able to coach them this past week!”

The U12 age group does not move on to the national competition so the girls get a few weeks rest before Rush Fest in Colorado!